Abstract: Provided is a method and a remote diagnostic system that can be used for signage applications that includes a plurality of LED-based signs, each having one or more corresponding LED signage drivers, one or more controllers for real-time monitoring and controlling the LEDs in the LED-based signs, a commissioning application (“app”) for commissioning, the one or more controllers, an information system or cloud network for storing information received from and sending commands to, the one or more controllers related to the LED-based signs, and at least one sensor.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine start of an idle stop and go vehicle is provided. The method includes detecting an engine stop and a brake pedal engagement and in response, detecting whether a target vehicle is located in a vicinity of the vehicle. A position of the target vehicle is also detected and when the position changes, the engine of the vehicle is restarted.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to improve lock time of a phase locked loop, wherein the apparatus comprises: a ring oscillator including at least two delay stages, wherein each delay stage has a controllable delay; and a multiphase frequency monitor coupled to the ring oscillator to monitor frequency at an output of at least two delay stages of the ring oscillator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing peak current mode control (PCMC) for power converters using discrete analog components. A pair of complementary bipolar junction transistors may be used to set a maximum duty cycle for the power converter. PCMC may be achieved using a comparator that compares peak input current to an error feedback signal and terminates a pulse-width modulation (PWM) pulse when the peak input current exceeds the error feedback signal. A magnetic signal transformer may be used to establish a secondary side bias voltage supply, to return the error signal, and to drive an AC-coupled signal for a synchronous gate drive. A synchronous switch may be turned on when the main switch is turned off via an output winding of the flyback transformer and may be turned off by the trailing edge of a clock pulse from the magnetic signal transformer before the main switch is turned on.

Abstract: Described herein are microelectrode devices to provide localized neural recording or neural stimulation to a neurological target. The device includes a plurality of electrodes disposed along the shafts of deployable flexible pins. The deployable flexible pins are enclosed within an elongated probe shaft and can be expanded from their enclosure. Additionally, a specifically manufactured outer housing can be coupled to at least a portion of the elongated probe shaft. During deployment of the flexible pins the outer housing of the microelectrode device reduces friction between the flexible pins and the probe shaft and reduces delamination of the flexible pins during deployment.

Abstract: A method of controlling sand production in a sandstone reservoir comprising providing (i) an aminosilane and (ii) a polymeric linking agent comprising monomeric units having pendent functional groups selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid esters and amides, wherein a plurality of the pendent functional groups are reacted with the amino group of the aminosilane by a process selected from the group consisting of aminolysis of carboxylic acid ester groups, Mannich reaction between the amino group of the aminosilane and a plurality of at least one of carboxylic acid and amide pendent groups in the presence of an aldehyde activating agent or combination thereof, contacting the aminosilane and polymeric linking agent with the sandstone reservoir to bond the silane group of the aminosilane with particles of sand and provide agglomeration as a result of covalent bonding of the linking agent with a plurality of aminosilanes.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, and breathing equipment training devices for simulated resource depletion calculation. The breathing equipment training device includes a shell including an opening, a sensor connected to the shell, and a controller connected to the shell and operably connected to the sensor. The controller is configured to calculate, based on inputs from the sensor, a flowrate of air entering the breathing equipment training device through the opening of the shell and calculate an amount of depletion of a simulated resource for a duration of time based on the calculated flowrate of air entering the opening of the shell. The controller is configured to identify a current status of the simulated resource based on the calculated resource depletion amount and a prior status of the simulated resource identified prior to the duration of time and generate a feedback signal indicating the current status of the simulated resource.

Abstract: A micro-electro-pyrotechnic energy-harvesting apparatus to harvest an incidental portion of a propellant energy utilized when a munition is fired freeing a magnet to strike an impact pin that strains a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element generates a collected voltage, which triggers a pyrotechnic initiator that, on activation, produces a straining force on a plurality of stacks of piezoelectric elements. The strained piezoelectric elements, in turn, generate a high voltage output sufficient to ignite the munition's explosive material. The apparatus may be quite small, for example, the cross-sectional size of a pen, which is about one centimeter, yet suitable for generating an electrical ignition of the explosive material.

Abstract: A stabilizing circuit is disclosed, which may be employed with lighting systems, such as with lighting system power supply operations. The circuit comprises a monitoring circuit configured to detect a characteristic of a power supply, and a switching controller configured to disconnect a primary load from the power supply and connect an auxiliary load to the power supply when the detected characteristic fails to meet a specified parameter. This is done to ensure compatibility and stability of both the power supply and the primary load. For example, when an AC mains voltage providing power to the power supply becomes unstable, the stabilizing circuit may be configured to prevent the power supply from remaining in a self-protection mode that may cause the primary load to become unstable. A method for stabilizing a circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a traffic communication network that includes a signaling system having a plurality of light signaling devices, a controller disposed at at least one traffic intersection, and configured to wirelessly control the plurality of light signaling devices. A remote control system is also provided to wirelessly transmit commands to the controller and directly to the plurality of light signaling devices.

Abstract: Provided is a traffic communication network that includes a signaling system including a plurality of light signaling devices, and a controller configured to wirelessly control the plurality of light signaling devices; and a remote control system in wireless communication with the controller and configured to control the controller.

Abstract: Provided is a method and a remote diagnostic system that can be used for signage applications that includes a plurality of LED-based signs, each having one or more corresponding LED signage drivers, one or more controllers for real-time monitoring and controlling the LEDs in the LED-based signs, a commissioning application (“app”) for commissioning, the one or more controllers, an information system or cloud network for storing information received from and sending commands to, the one or more controllers related to the LED-based signs, and at least one sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing peak current mode control (PCMC) for power converters using discrete analog components. Peak current mode control functionality for latching, set, reset, clocking and slope compensation is provided via available analog components that provide improved performance, design flexibility, reliability, and radiation tolerance. Discrete analog components may include analog comparators, resistors, capacitors, diodes, etc.

Abstract: A stabilizing circuit is disclosed, which comprises a monitoring circuit configured to detect at least one characteristic of a power supply; and a switching controller configured to disconnect a primary load from the power supply and connect an auxiliary load to the power supply when the at least one detected characteristic fails to meet a specified parameter. A method for stabilizing a circuit is also disclosed, which comprises monitoring at least one characteristic of a power supply; and disconnecting a primary load from the power supply and connecting an auxiliary load to the power supply when the at least one monitored characteristic of the power supply fails to meet a specified parameter.

Abstract: An initiator system includes a firing pin and a piezoelectric-based energy harvester that generates and stores electric energy when impacted by the firing pin. The electric energy is independently available at a first output and second output of the energy harvester. An electronic time delay is coupled to the second output for generation of an electric trigger signal using the electric energy available at the second output. The electric trigger signal is generated at a selected period of time after the electric energy is available at the second output. An initiation-energy generator is coupled to the first output for the storage of electric energy available thereof. The initiation-energy generator is also coupled to the electronic time delay to receive the electric trigger signal, and uses stored electric energy to generate an initiation explosion when the electric trigger signal is received.

Abstract: A circuit for providing dynamic output current sharing using average current mode control for active-reset and self-driven synchronous rectification with pre-bias startup and redundancy capabilities for power converters. The circuit communicates a secondary side feedback signal to a primary side via a bidirectional magnetic communicator that also provides a secondary voltage supply. Pre-bias startup is achieved by detection of the output current direction and controlling the gate signals of synchronous rectifiers. The circuit permits dynamic current sharing via a single-control signal and automatic master converter selection and promotion.

Abstract: A circuit for providing dynamic output current sharing using average current mode control for active-reset and self-driven synchronous rectification with pre-bias startup and redundancy capabilities for power converters. The circuit communicates a secondary side feedback signal to a primary side via a bidirectional magnetic communicator that also provides a secondary voltage supply. Pre-bias startup is achieved by detection of the output current direction and controlling the gate signals of synchronous rectifiers. The circuit permits dynamic current sharing via a single-control signal and automatic master converter selection and promotion.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide control circuits having multiple sub-control inputs that control operation of a power electronics device (e.g., a power converter). Each of the multiple sub-control inputs are output from a separate sub-control circuit that includes a feedback circuit having an input tied to a common control node. The common control node is coupled to an input of a controller (e.g., a PWM controller). Outputs of each of the sub-control circuits are coupled to the common control node by a respective switch (e.g., diode, transistor, etc.) so that each of the sub-control circuits may be selectively coupled to the common control node to provide a control signal to a controller. Since components of each of the feedback compensations circuits are biased at a regulation voltage instead of a higher power supply voltage, the control circuit may switch between control modes with minimal delay.

Abstract: A circuit for providing dynamic output current sharing using average current mode control for active-reset and self-driven synchronous rectification with pre-bias startup and redundancy capabilities for power converters. The circuit communicates a secondary side feedback signal to a primary side via a bidirectional magnetic communicator that also provides a secondary voltage supply. Pre-bias startup is achieved by detection of the output current direction and controlling the gate signals of synchronous rectifiers. The circuit permits dynamic current sharing via a single-control signal and automatic master converter selection and promotion.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing over-voltage protection for power converters. An over-voltage protection loop includes an error amplifier that maintains an external reference voltage within a highly precise range that can be used to provide a highly precise output voltage from the over-voltage protection loop. The over-voltage protection loop may also include feedback impedance that delays the output of the over-voltage protection loop. The delay may prevent the over-voltage protection loop from being engaged due to voltage transients output from a main servo loop circuit that provides a nominal output voltage under normal operation, thus allowing the threshold voltage and output voltage of the over-voltage protection loop to be set close to the nominal output voltage of the main servo loop circuit.